Proteins are categorized as essential macronutrients for the correct functioning of our body, since they serve for the growth, maintenance and repair of tissues, and at the same time to provide us with optimal sustenance during the day. They can have an animal or vegetal origin and there are differences and peculiar characteristics relating to each of these two types.
How do these types of proteins differ?
Generally the animal proteins they are found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs and milk and are complete in what they contain all 9 essential amino acidsgiven that human beings need to include 20 different amino acids in their diet, of which 9 are the fundamental ones.
The vegetable proteins instead they can be found in legumes, cereals, nuts and seeds and combined with different vegetable sources, such as beans or rice, they can give the possibility of providing right amount of amino acids to one’s body, otherwise they would be considered incomplete.
Animal proteins are rich in nutrients that can be absorbed much more easily by the body than their plant counterparts, such as iron, zinc, minerals, and vitamins B 12 and D. According to several studies, they are more effective for support muscle protein synthesisconsidering that among the various amino acids they contain, leucine is present, which is essential to complete this process.
As regards vegetable proteins, these are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, given that they contain less saturated fat and less cholesterol. Furthermore, they are often accompanied by fiber and phytonutrients, which bring various benefits to heart health. Plant proteins can help weight controlgiven that, if combined with fibre, they help to achieve a sense of satiety sooner and consequently allow you to eat a little less.
An aspect not to be forgotten related to this last type of protein is the fact that they are more sustainable from an environmental point of view compared to animal ones, given that their production requires fewer resources and at the same time produces fewer greenhouse gases than the others, which necessarily derive from the production of meat and animal products.
So both of these types of proteins have various benefits and can be integrated into a healthy and balanced diet. Obviously it is up to your personal tastes and what is defined with a professional in the sector to decide which ones to opt for in your diet.
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